Locals call for court funds

A residents’ group embroiled in an Environment Court battle have put out a call for more money to fight for what they want.

Developer Todd Property has met Auckland Council in court over whether the rural-urban boundary should be moved north to allow up to 1000 houses to be built on untouched land in Okura.

The Long Bay Okura Great Park Society had been in court in support of council’s stance to leave the boundary where it is.

The hearing was scheduled from September 18 to 29 but following two weeks in court, the parties will return on November 1 for an additional three days.

Society deputy convenor Pete Townend said the public had raised more than $140,000 to help fight the case with donations from as far away as Japan, but roughly $85,000 more was needed.

‘‘The court case has been more complex than our team thought it would be, and so the expenses have gone up by over a third,’’ Townend said.

‘‘It was never going to be quick or easy. The issues are complex and often technical.

‘‘We are putting the call out to our supporters to dig deep and support us in the effort to leave a bit of our coastal rural countryside for future generations to enjoy.’’

The society had been holding multiple fundraising events. The next planned event was a quiz night on October 13, 6.30pm at Mac’s Brew Bar, Takapuna. Costs $15 per person. Email morgannicksal@gmail.com or info@longbaypark.org.nz.

‘‘It was never going to be quick or easy.’’

Pete Townend